My Baby Keeps Eating Dirt and Sand
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to keeps eating dirt and sand, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Babies and toddlers explore the world by putting everything in their mouths, including dirt and sand. Small tastes are very common and usually not harmful. However, soil can contain parasites, bacteria, pesticides, or lead, so it should be discouraged. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats large amounts of dirt, this could be pica, which may indicate a nutritional deficiency like iron.
Key takeaways
- Babies and toddlers explore the world by putting everything in their mouths, including dirt and sand. Small tastes are very common and usually not harmful. However, soil can contain parasites, bacteria, pesticides, or lead, so it should be discouraged. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats large amounts of dirt, this could be pica, which may indicate a nutritional deficiency like iron.
- Usually normal when: Baby tastes dirt or sand once and spits it out
- Call your doctor if: Child has eaten dirt in an area known to be contaminated with lead or chemicals
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, babies and toddlers explore the world by putting everything in their mouths, including dirt and sand. Small tastes are very common and usually not harmful. However, soil can contain parasites, bacteria, pesticides, or lead, so it should be discouraged. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats large amounts of dirt, this could be pica, which may indicate a nutritional deficiency like iron. At 0-3 months, babies this age do not typically encounter dirt or sand as they are not yet mobile. It is generally considered normal when baby tastes dirt or sand once and spits it out. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if child has eaten dirt in an area known to be contaminated with lead or chemicals.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Babies this age do not typically encounter dirt or sand as they are not yet mobile.
4-6 months
As babies begin to sit and reach for things, they may encounter outdoor materials. Supervise closely during outdoor play.
6-9 months
Crawling babies are magnets for dirt, sand, and other ground-level materials. They will put everything in their mouth. Redirect consistently and keep play areas as clean as possible.
9-12 months
The mouthing stage continues. Baby will taste dirt and sand if given the opportunity. Supervise outdoor play closely and redirect to appropriate items. A small taste is unlikely to cause harm.
12-24 months
Toddlers are curious and may deliberately eat dirt or sand during outdoor play. Redirect firmly but gently. If your toddler seeks out and eats large amounts of non-food items repeatedly, discuss with your pediatrician. Iron deficiency screening may be appropriate.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed keeps eating dirt and sand and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if child repeatedly and deliberately eats dirt or sand in large amounts.
- Mention if child seeks out non-food items to eat regularly which may be pica.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby tastes dirt or sand once and spits it out
- Baby puts everything in their mouth including outdoor materials during the normal mouthing phase
- Toddler occasionally gets sand in their mouth at the playground
- Child repeatedly and deliberately eats dirt or sand in large amounts
- Child seeks out non-food items to eat regularly which may be pica
- You are concerned about the safety of the soil in your area regarding lead or chemicals
- Child has eaten dirt in an area known to be contaminated with lead or chemicals
- Child develops symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain after eating dirt
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice keeps eating dirt and sand — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby tastes dirt or sand once and spits it out — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if child has eaten dirt in an area known to be contaminated with lead or chemicals.
Related Conditions
My Baby Eats Non-Food Items (Pica)
It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
My Baby Ate a Houseplant or Leaves
Many common houseplants can be mildly to severely toxic to babies. If your baby eats a plant, try to identify it and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Remove any remaining plant material from baby's mouth. Even if a plant is considered non-toxic, it may cause mouth irritation or stomach upset. Keep all houseplants out of reach of babies and toddlers.
Is My Toddler at Risk for Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in toddlers. Risk factors include drinking more than 24 ounces of milk daily, a diet low in iron-rich foods, picky eating, and a history of prematurity. The AAP recommends screening for iron deficiency at 12 months. Symptoms include pallor, fatigue, poor appetite, and irritability.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is keeps eating dirt and sand normal?
When should I call the doctor about keeps eating dirt and sand?
When is keeps eating dirt and sand normal?
What causes keeps eating dirt and sand?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about keeps eating dirt and sand?
Is keeps eating dirt and sand normal at 0-3 months?
Is keeps eating dirt and sand normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for keeps eating dirt and sand?
Does keeps eating dirt and sand go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Keeps Eating Dirt and Sand.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed keeps eating dirt and sand and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if child repeatedly and deliberately eats dirt or sand in large amounts.
- Mention if child seeks out non-food items to eat regularly which may be pica.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Child repeatedly and deliberately eats dirt or sand in large amounts
- Child seeks out non-food items to eat regularly which may be pica
- You are concerned about the safety of the soil in your area regarding lead or chemicals
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Child has eaten dirt in an area known to be contaminated with lead or chemicals
- Child develops symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain after eating dirt
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of keeps eating dirt and sand are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if child has eaten dirt in an area known to be contaminated with lead or chemicals.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Feeding Concerns
My Baby Eats Non-Food Items (Pica)
It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
My Baby Ate a Houseplant or Leaves
Many common houseplants can be mildly to severely toxic to babies. If your baby eats a plant, try to identify it and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Remove any remaining plant material from baby's mouth. Even if a plant is considered non-toxic, it may cause mouth irritation or stomach upset. Keep all houseplants out of reach of babies and toddlers.
Is My Toddler at Risk for Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in toddlers. Risk factors include drinking more than 24 ounces of milk daily, a diet low in iron-rich foods, picky eating, and a history of prematurity. The AAP recommends screening for iron deficiency at 12 months. Symptoms include pallor, fatigue, poor appetite, and irritability.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.